A former fixture in the Five Points bar scene could be resurrected with a new name under action March 18 by the Jacksonville City Council Planning and Zoning Committee.
The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of a zoning exception to establish the Five Points Liquor Lounge in the spot occupied for three decades by the Wall Street Deli & Lounge. The exception was contained in Ordinance 2025-0133.
The zoning exception would permit the outside sale of beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption at 1050 and 1044 Park St., site of Wall Street and where Birdies bar now operates.
The properties are both owned by ServStar of Jacksonville Beach, which plans to connect Birdies to Five Points Liquor Lounge at the rear.
Cyndy Trimmer, a partner with Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne and Diebenow who represents ServStar, said Birdies would continue to operate under the same name in the new arrangement.
Wall Street announced in August 2024 that it would close by the end of that year after ServStar bought the building in the Riverside neighborhood in March 2024 for $2 million, the Daily Record reported.
The deli and lounge had been a tenant since 1993.
The sale included Birdies and 5 Points Vintage, an antique store at 1046 Park St. Trimmer said the retail space would be retained when the two bars are connected.
At the LUZ meeting, two Riverside residents raised concerns that noise from the rear exteriors of the bars would be a nuisance for the neighborhood.
Trimmer said the owners do not plan to expand the establishments with outdoor entertainment areas.
She said the exception to allow for outside sale of alcoholic beverages is needed because Birdies has covered exterior seating in the front of the establishment.
City Planning and Development Department staff recommended approval of the ordinance with the condition that a related request for a waiver of liquor distance from a church or school also be passed. On March 6, the Jacksonville Planning Commission approved that request.
The planned bar is less than 500 feet from Riverside Presbyterian Church.
The LUZ Committee approved the ordinance on a 4-0 vote. Members Ken Amaro, Raul Arias and Rory Diamond were not present for the vote.
The vote sent the ordinance to Council for final approval. It is likely to be included on the Council’s March 25 agenda.